Wade added: “Nipa [Maguire] has really come on with his corner taking. It adds another element to his game and we tell him to hit it in with power which is what he did so successfully.

“We’ve been struggling for a right footer who can do that for several seasons.

“To be honest, though, his general game at the weekend was not as sharp as it has been.

“Possibly the full-time training last week at Oldham took its toll. He’ll rest this week and be raring to go again on Saturday at Stafford.”

Maguire did pop up to seal the host’s victory in the dying stages with a tap in from close range.

The Blyth boss was particularly pleased with three players who haven’t been regulars this season.

He said: “Conor Grant, back in goal, has improved massively and was great on Saturday. Then there was Neal Hooks and Joe Kendrick, other players who have stuck with the club. That’s what I want – players who want to be here.”

Now sixth in the league with a play-off spot lying tantalisingly just on the horizon, Wade is looking to his experienced players to take the initiative as the season reaches its climax.

“The young lads have taken us so far and to some extent, have been carrying the older heads,” he said.